Turkey

Background

The Kurdistan People’s Congress (KONGRA-GEL)/People’s Defence Forces (HPG), also known as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has been waging an armed struggle against the Turkish government since 1984. At the end of 2007, the Turkish armed forces intensified their military operations. The air force started heavy cross border raids into Iraqi Kurdistan, where the KONGRA-GEL/HPG/PKK has its strongholds.

Both the Turkish armed forces and the KONGRA-GEL/HPG/PKK used anti-personnel (AP) mines in the past, leaving the Kurdish regions of Turkey particularly contaminated.

Activities

Geneva Call has been engaging the KONGRA-GEL/HPG/PKK in an AP mine ban since 2001. The signed the Deed of Commitment banning AP mines in 2006. In 2007, Geneva Call and technical experts facilitated the destruction of 770 AP mines and more than 2’500 other explosive items collected by HAW PAR, a mine action organization working in the areas of Iraqi Kurdistan where the KONGRA-GEL/HPG/PKK operates. In addition to supporting mine action and monitoring compliance with the Deed of Commitment banning AP mines, Geneva Call is also engaged in an ongoing dialogue with this armed non-State actor on broader international humanitarian law issues.

For further information:

Armin Köhli, 2008, , Journal of Mine Action, No. 11.2.

Geneva Call, 2006, , Press Release, 18 July.